”Inspiration is all around us”
Interview with Véronique Bancells, Style and Collections Director at Atmosphera, Créateur d’intérieur®
In the world of home décor, turning inspiration into a product that will stand the test of time is a true art, combining creativity, trend foresight, and technical expertise.
Véronique Bancells, Head of Style and Seasonal Collections at Atmosphera, reveals the inner workings of this fascinating creative process.
Where does your creative process begin?
Inspiration is all around us, and it takes many forms. My team and I have access to reports from leading trend consultancies and we regularly attend trade fairs. Twice a year, we also go on what we call inspirational trips – our most recent was to Madrid. These journeys immerse us in different cultures, with traditions and savoir-faire very different from those in France. They fuel our curiosity, which is arguably the most important quality for any designer. Trends often cross over multiple fields, so we draw inspiration not only from fashion but also from art exhibitions, social media, and even music. A Beyoncé concert, for instance, can be a source of inspiration, as it presents a complete aesthetic and concept through the staging of the show.
How does a spark of inspiration become a collection?
Inspiration is the first building block in telling a story through a collection. At the outset, everyone on the team may have different ideas, but by sharing perspectives and impressions, a common concept gradually emerges. For me, that’s the key: the ability to collectively sense what will excite people. Once we’ve identified the story we want to tell, we begin selecting materials and exploring colour palettes. It’s a highly iterative process, evolving through discussions with the product team and suppliers until the final collection takes shape. For example, this season we created the Sky Lounge collection inspired by a vintage aeroplane fuselage. The result is subtle touches of chrome and acacia wood, giving a refined retro-chic finish.
What’s the key to creating products that won’t go out of style?
The aim isn’t to follow a trend too literally or overdo it. Instead, it should be woven into a broader, timeless story, which is why inspiration is so important. For example, a bold colour might appear only in small accents or on a minor piece, so it doesn’t date quickly. Larger pieces of furniture, like sideboards, tables, and sofas, are designed simply, to ensure they last and stay relevant over time. It’s also about designing with care and thoughtfulness, which reflects the Home Beauty philosophy. By approaching our collections in this way, we can create products that feel valuable, enduring, and genuinely timeless.
Can design be both beautiful and functional?
Absolutely. Our role is to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical for everyday use, so functionality is essential. Certain guidelines inform our decisions – for example, the height of a table or desk must meet specific standards. Fundamentally, the beauty of a product should never come at the expense of its function. Products surround us every day and, above all, they must fulfil their purpose. Our challenge is to make them as enjoyable to use as possible, while respecting technical requirements and offering an appealing design.
Trends today are bolder and more assertive. Why do you think that is?
We’ve emerged from a long period dominated by neutral tones and natural materials, and consumers were beginning to crave something new. Soft, comforting colours aren’t disappearing, but we’re seeing a clear rise in the use of brighter shades. These bold colours are no longer confined to summer collections – they’re now present year-round, bringing energy and optimism to interiors.
In what way do your designs reflect the Home Beauty philosophy of responsible living?
Atmosphera’s DNA is completely in line with Home Beauty. Every day, we create products that are beautiful, long-lasting and responsibly made, helping people look after their homes. What sets us apart is how we interpret trends – how we develop the story, bring it to life and create interiors that customers can make their own. Our goal is to inspire them to create spaces they love, all at prices they can afford.
